Bhutan Essentials

Bhutan, which is the land of the thunder dragon has always inspired travellers. Bhutan was the last Buddhist kingdom and has always given a wonderful experience to the travellers. The historic monasteries, the long rugged trekking tracks, the awesome views of the natural habitat, the traditional people and not to forget the chilli spiced food are all inspiring to the eyes as well as the mind.

You can tour through the long rivers and the natural forests while you get a glimpse of the Everest and the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Paro

Paro has an international airport. Paro is a modern city which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and spread to the Tibet border. Paro has more than 155 religious spots to visit hence making it a spiritual hub of Bhutan. The tiger’s nest commonly known as Taktsang Monastery is one of the oldest structures built on a cliff wall.
The highest point of Bhutan lies here in Paro which has a historic watchtower and also has a museum known as the Paro Ta Dzong. During spring a religious function is celebrated when traditional dance performances take place. The festival is called the Paro Tsechu.

Thimphu

Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan. It is a beautiful place for sightseeing. The place has numerous forts commonly known as dzongs where they display traditional Bhutanese architecture.
The huge Buddha Dordenma Statue is a wonderful piece of art which a traveller must watch.
There are a number of museums to visit like the Textile Museum, Heritage Museum.
Trekking is one of the most interesting getaways which is enjoyed by many who visit Thimphu. Some of the treks are very difficult as it is done on the eastern Himalayan ranges.
The less rigorous one for trekking is the Druk Path which lasts for about 5 nights.

Punakha

The journey to Punakha (78 km/3 hours) begins, through forests of oak, hemlock and chir pine to reach the Dochu La Pass (3,091m). In clear weather, view the magnificent mountain panorama as you stand amidst the prayer flags and chortens.

From here, the road spirals downwards into the subtropical climes of Punakha (alt 1,310m) valley, highlighted by luxuriant forests of silk-cotton and jacaranda trees. Of particular interest here are the fifty-five species or orchid found in the area. Its low altitude and mild climate make Punakha Bhutan’s market garden where cereals, vegetables and fruit are farmed throughout the year.

Capital of Bhutan for three centuries until 1955, Punakha’s centrepiece is its eponymous dzong, also known as thee Place of Great Happiness, considered the greatest of all in the country. Built in 1637CE, it sits regally at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Po Chu. Devastated over time by earthquakes, fires and floods, it was rebuilt and restored each time to its original glory and is one of the most distinctive examples of Bhutanese architecture and craftsmanship. Within the dzong are twenty-nine temples and the hundred-pillared Hall of Great Assembly of the monks. The Chief Abbott takes up residence here in winter after migrating from Thimphu.

The essence of Punakha is the 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang monastery dedicated to the monk Drukpa Kunle, a migrant from Tibet widely regarded as Bhutan’s patron saint and better known as the “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox teachings and unpredictable behaviour.

Weather permitting, there here is a beautiful hike up through the rice fields along the Mo Chu to the upper end of the valley the Khamsam Yuelley Namgyal chorten, a stunning monument built by the Four Queens (of the present King) and consecrated in 1999.

An hour’s drive from Punakha is the picturesque village of Talo, scattered along a ridge above Punakha valley at an altitude of 2,600m. considered the area’s model village for its neat and clean appearance, the trail from here heads upwards to a small plateau and the site of Talosangnacho from where there are majestic views of the valley and its surroundings, and the town of Wangdiphodrang which is the gateway to central Bhutan.

Gangtey

Located at the head of the glacial valley of Phobjika, Gangtey (alt 2,822m) is named after its monastery, dramatically sited on a hilltop looking over the small town and valley and noted for its fine woodcarvings and paintings. The sheltered valley in known for its mild winter conditions, spectacular scenery, extensive potato cultivation, herds of grazing yaks and its grand mountain backdrop. More recently, Gangtey has come to be known as one of the last refuges for the seriously endangered black-necked crane which winter here from November to March.

A walking excursion is arranged through forests of rhododendron and dwarf bamboo before going up an old trading route into montane forests where lichens and epiphytes grow profusely. The valleys contrasting terrain makes it one of the most treasured enclaves in the Black Mountain National Park.

Bumtang

Bumtang is one of Bhutan’s blessed valley towns. It is located on the eastern region of Bhutan. To reach this lovely valley you need to cross a number of secluded villages, green fields and enchanting valleys. The people around here have a very quiet pleasing disposition. The quiet and serene atmosphere makes you feel one with nature. entices its visitors with its breathtaking

views, along with the shy and warm helpful people. You will have a lot to see in Bumtang once you land there.

Bumtang is made up of 4 main valleys- Chokhar, Tang, Chhume and Ura. It is indeed a paradise of eastern Bhutan. Here you can find. huge farms and fields of wheat, rice, potatoes, apple and orange orchards.

Some very good monasteries and temples are located in the Chokhar valley. you could even find many cottage industries that produce cheese, honey, spirits, woollen work and more. Apple farms and dairy visits are a charm in your journey. Jakar is the capital of the Chokhar valley.

The location of this place is so secluded and serene that you can admire nature to your heart’s content. The temples and fields are covered with colorful wild flowers and greenery which is a soothing sight for the eyes. The speciality of this place is that it is very thinly populated and the number of tourists is also few in number making it a calm stay for any visitor.

Coming next are the many monasteries that are present in Bumtang that it makes it an extra special place to visit. You can check out the Buddhist temples which are unique for their architecture, tales, intricate huge paintings and the brightly coloured walls of the Dzongs in the Bumthang valley.

Apart from the above experiences Bhutan also has luxurious hotels that are original and an experience in themselves!